Djaq woke before Will in the morning. The fire was nothing but lightly smoking embers, and the air was quite cool. At first she snuggled back against him, then her eyes shot open again.
In her dream last night, she had heard those words, and something told her, that they had been real. At first she was outraged that he would ignore her request to wait, but then the reality of it all hit her.
Carefully, she turned in his arms until she was facing him. Such a handsome face. No, not handsome. Will Scarlett was the most beautiful person she had ever encountered. His inner beauty matched is outer beauty completely, a trait that was so hard to find.
Quickly, cautiously, she held his face in her hands and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Oh, my love...forever, my love." There were times when she felt she would burst with the emotions she felt for this man.
"Thought there wasn't time for these things." Will said, eyes still closed.
"Oh! I did not know you were awake!"
His eyes opened, and he flashed a grin at her. "I'm glad you didn't, or else I would have missed all that."
"Just like I missed those three little words last night?"
Will started, then turned red. "I thought you were asleep."
"I was. But there are things a heart never misses." She looked up at the sky and sighed. "We must get back to camp. We have been gone for far too long."
The two rose and quickly gathered up their belongings. As they set out in the direction of the camp, Will wrapped an arm around Djaq and pulled her close.
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Robin awoke to the sound of hoof beats approaching the camp. Rising quickly, he reached for his bow and his quiver.
"Robin?" Breathing a sigh of relief he put his weapon back and walked out to greet Lady Marian.
"Good morning, Marian, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"No time for pleasantries, I've got some news, and then I have to be off." Marian jumped off her horse and dusted herself off.
"What's the news?"
"The Sheriff is meeting with the leader of his mercenaries this morning. His mercenaries have been scattered throughout England for the better part of the last five years, but it appears they are all on their way here. I fear this may have something to do with the surprise being planned."
"This gives me much to think about." Robin rubbed his jaw. "Do you know how many men he has?"
"There were at least a hundred on their way to the Castle that I know of. It will take them some time to get here, but not time enough. I'm sure there are more that I don't even know about."
"I wouldn't doubt it. Thank you, Marian."
Marian smiled. "You're welcome. But, I must go now. Gisbourne requires the pleasure of my company at lunch today."
"Lovely. Any particular reason for this?"
"Just male soothing his ruffled feathers at having another rival for the Sheriff's attention in the Castle.."
She pulled herself back up onto her horse.
"What, no kiss?" Robin scoffed, feigning hurt.
"You men and your feathers." Marian sighed. "Come on then, but just one."
She was smiling as she leaned down and met Robin's lips with her own.
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WIll and Djaq made it back to the camp just after breakfast.
"Where have you two been? That was one honey trip that went too far! I've been up all night worrying! Eat some breakfast, I saved it for you!" Much started up as soon as they came into sight.
"That was no honey trip, Much. Leave them alone." Little John said, glowering until Much wisely shut his mouth.
"Where is Robin?" Djaq asked as she settled down to her food.
"Gone to scout out the Castle. Marian arrived early this morning. Apparently the Sheriff's meeting with the leader of his mercenaries. Robin wants to see if Allan's going to be allowed into the meeting, so he can find out more." Much looked between the two, then checked over his shoulder to see if Little John was paying attention.
"So, if it wasn't a honey trip, what kind of a trip was it?"
"MUCH!!"
"I'm sorry, John!"
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